Computer speed via metadata-based business rule interpreter

ABSTRACT

A method of increasing a speed of operation of a computer via a metadata-based business rule interpreter. The method includes receiving, at a processor, user input defining a business rule. The method also includes translating, by the processor, the user input into a domain-specific language entirely consisting of metadata objects, wherein a translated syntax is formed, the translated syntax being an abstract syntax tree structure consisting of only the metadata objects. The method also includes executing, by the processor, an abstract syntax tree interpreter and taking as input into the abstract syntax tree interpreter the translated syntax. A compiler operation to generate computer code for implementing the business rule is avoided. Executing the abstract syntax tree interpreter produces a result in a browser without using executable code to achieve the result.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to improving the speed of operation of acomputer by using a metadata-based business rule interpreter whichavoids using a compiler to generate executable code.

2. Background

Increasingly, businesses rely on business rule interpreters to conductInternet based business, or to generate browser-based software programsfor others to use in the conduct of business. However, such programs canbe complex and can be undesirably slow to compile and/or execute in realtime, especially on a web browser when communication with a remotecomputer is desirable or necessary. Thus, solutions for increasing thespeed of operation of a computer to create and execute business rulesare desirable.

SUMMARY

The illustrative embodiments provide for a method of increasing a speedof operation of a computer via a metadata-based business ruleinterpreter. The method includes receiving, at a processor, user inputdefining a business rule. The method also includes translating, by theprocessor, the user input into a domain-specific language entirelyconsisting of metadata objects, wherein a translated syntax is formed,the translated syntax being an abstract syntax tree structure consistingof only the metadata objects. The method also includes executing, by theprocessor, an abstract syntax tree interpreter and taking, as input intothe abstract syntax tree interpreter, the translated syntax. A compileroperation to generate computer code for implementing the business ruleis avoided. Executing the abstract syntax tree interpreter produces aresult in a browser without using executable code to achieve the result.

The illustrative embodiments also contemplate a computer programmed toperform this computer-implemented method. The illustrative embodimentsalso contemplate a non-transitory computer-recordable storage mediumstoring program code which, when executed by a processor, performs thecomputer-implemented method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrativeembodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrativeembodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, furtherobjectives and features thereof, will best be understood by reference tothe following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of thepresent disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a block diagram of a prior art architecturefor a business rule system in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a block diagram of a block diagram of aprior art architecture for a business rule system in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a block diagram of an architecture of ametadata-based business rule system in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a block diagram of another architecture ofa metadata-based business rule system in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a block diagram of another architecture ofa metadata-based business rule system in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a graph comparing the speed of execution ofa prior art compiler-based business rule system, such as those shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 2, to a metadata-based business rule system, such asthose shown in FIG. 3 through FIG. 5, based on testing in a realbusiness environment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a method of increasing a speed of operationof a computer via a metadata-based business rule interpreter, inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a computer programmed with program code forimplementing a method of increasing a speed of operation of a computervia a metadata-based business rule interpreter in accordance with anillustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a data processing system in accordance withan illustrative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account thatcurrent business rule systems are undesirably slow in terms ofassembling, compiling, and/or executing business rule systems. As usedherein, a “business rule” is computer code executable only by acomputer, to produce a change in a computer, a server computer, at aremote client computer, or at a local client computer based on inputfrom a server computer. While the term “computer rule” could besubstituted for “business rule”, it is customary in the business worldto refer to computer rules that are used to aid in electronic servicesused in support of the business as “business rules”. Thus, the term“business rule” should not be interpreted as a human-implementedprocedure in a business environment, but rather strictly as aninformation technology implementation of hardware or software, asdefined above.

As used herein, a “business system” is information technology hardware,possibly in combination with software, which is used to execute theelectronic services used in support of the business. A business systemmay include server-side equipment and/or software, client-side equipmentand/or software, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, a “business rule interpreter” is hardware or softwarewhich is used to interpret or execute business rules in a businesssystem. Typically, a “business rule interpreter” is software residing ina Web browser on the client computer. However, the illustrativeembodiments are not necessarily limited to only client computers or Webbrowsers.

The illustrative embodiments contemplate that many different businessrule system architectures and business rule interpreters are possible.The illustrative embodiments provide for business rule systems whichdramatically increase the speed of the operation of computersimplementing business rules.

Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide for a business ruleinterpreter designed for a domain-specific language entirely composed ofmetadata objects. The business rule interpreter of the illustrativeembodiments may take the form of an abstract syntax tree interpreterhaving a structure composed of metadata itself. The abstract syntax treeinterpreter requires no complier because the constructs from which ametadata object is composed are well-defined when they are constructed.Thus, the compilation phase that precedes the execution of code underordinary circumstances is non-existent and hence avoided. Thetokenization and parsing that would occur become the translation of theuser input into the well-defined metadata objects that result in thecomposition of the user selected block types and properties. As aresult, executable code is not necessary.

In design, the business rule interpreter of the illustrative embodimentsmay be defined as a set of composable executor functions, each of whichdefines a single, atomic code construct as defined by the behaviorbelonging to the business rule domain-specific language. The atomic codeconstructs may be blocks visually presented to a user on a browser,which the user combines in an input area of a display monitor.Combinations of these atomic code constructs generate combinations ofexecutor functions, which the abstract syntax tree described aboveinterprets and then implements in the browser. Hence compilation andexecutable code are entirely avoided, resulting in a dramatic increasein speed of the computer. The increase of speed has been measured to beten time faster, or more, compared to prior business rule interpreterswhich rely on compilation, executable code, and runtime of thatexecutable code.

The executor functions of the business rule interpreter all operateinside of a context defined at a beginning of the business ruleexecution step, which is the target object for all symbols in the courseof a business rule execution as well as for all input to and output fromthe business rule itself. The different permutations of the compositionsof these functions, as well as differentiated input, are what enable theexecution of different business rule behaviors at runtime. In essence,the business rules of the illustrative embodiments execute from theabstract syntax tree interpreter from the runtime metadata definition ofthe business rule alone.

The illustrative embodiments also recognize and take into account thatprior business rule systems were not as maintainable as desired and notas secure as desired, in addition to not being as fast as desired. Theillustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that theillustrative embodiments increase security through the use ofpre-defined executor functions defined by metadata. The illustrativeembodiments also recognize and take into account that the illustrativeembodiments are easily maintainable simply by defining additionalexecutor functions, or by modifying the definitions of existing executorfunctions. Hence, the illustrative embodiments represent a highlysignificant improvement in the art of business system architectures.

Stated differently, the business rule interpreter of the illustrativeembodiments is a code interpreter designed for a domain-specificlanguage entirely composed of metadata objects. This compiler takes theform of an abstract syntax tree (AST) interpreter with the exceptionthat the abstract syntax tree (AST) structure is the composed metadataitself. This structure requires no compilation because the constructsfrom which the metadata object are composed are well-defined when theyare constructed. So, the compilation phase that precedes the executionof code in the business rule interpreter is non-existent. Thetokenization and parsing that would occur would be the translation ofuser input into well-defined metadata objects which would result in thecomposition of the user selected block types and properties.

In design, the business rule interpreter is a set ofinfinitely-composable executor functions, each of which defines asingle, atomic code construct as defined by the behavior (and actualvisual “blocks”) belonging to the business rule domain-specificlanguage. These functions all operate inside of a context defined at thebeginning of the business rule execution step which is the target objectfor all symbols defined in the course of the business rule execution, aswell as for all input to and output from the business rule itself. Thedifferent permutations of the compositions of these functions, as wellas differentiated input, are what enable the execution of the differentbusiness rule behaviors at runtime.

The architecture described in this document assumes conditions about theenvironment in which it is run, as well as the business decisionsdriving the platform in which it is used. The metadata passed into thebusiness rule interpreter is dynamic. Thus, the single source of truthassociated with the metadata provided to the interpreter is the actualmetadata provided by the metadata document store. No pre-compilation hasoccurred on the metadata documents before they have been passed to theinterpreter, including contextual overrides.

As indicated above, the illustrative embodiments use executor functions.The executor function is the basic unit of structure and function in thebusiness rule interpreter. It is a singular code point which correlatesto business rule metadata object created by the business rule designer,which in turn is manipulated by the user to create desired businessrules. An executor can represent as little code as possible to allowrules to be composed. All of the executors in the business ruleinterpreter take the context of the business rule currently in executionas well as a business rule metadata object entity for a single blockinclusive of its children and returns the same context updated with thebehavior of the executor itself.

The illustrative embodiments also use “helpers” to implement thebusiness rule systems described herein. Helpers perform similarfunctionality to executors, executing JAVASCRIPT® against translatedbusiness rule metadata objects, with the exception that they do notnecessarily take the same arguments or return the same values. All ofthe executors in the business rule interpreter take the context of thebusiness rule currently in execution, as well as a business rulemetadata object entity for a single block inclusive of its children andreturns the same context updated with the behavior of the executoritself. Helpers always use a business rule execution context, as well assome other arguments, but not necessarily a business rule metadataobject. They can return anything. The distinction between helpers andother utilities is that helpers use a business rule execution context ora business rule metadata object whereas the utility functions ofexecutors are generic.

In the business rule systems of the illustrative embodiments, all datetypes may be transferable. This fact implies that no matter what type ofdate identifier is passed, it will be coerced into the same JAVASCRIPT®date type.

In addition, the business rule interpreter accepts InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ISO) strings or epoch times asdate-like type arguments. However, it assumes that these arguments arealways in a universal format. One way to create a date from a businessrule is with a “date-manipulation” with type of “create” and thisoperation will create a UTC date regardless of the time zone of thecreated date. The only exception to UTC handling of JAVASCRIPT® dates isin the “string-manipulation” block with a “format” type. This block willlocalize a date before formatting it to the specified format. The reasonthis procedure is done is that the executor is predominantly creating“display” values.

Dates may be returned as International Organization for Standardization(ISO) strings. Output parameters that are of any of the date-like typesor dates in notification messages will always be InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ISO) strings. If the value associatedwith an output parameter from a business rule of type “date,”“datetime,” or “time” happens to be an invalid date, it cannot beconverted into an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)string and therefore will return a null value.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a block diagram of a prior art architecturefor a business rule system depicted in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. Business rule system 100 includes server side components,such as metadata document store 102 and business rule service 104.Metadata document store 102 is a storage where the contextualinformation about user information is stored. Metadata 106 is exchangedbetween metadata document store 102 and business rule service 104.

Business rule service 104 includes metadata 108 and abstract syntax tree(AST) 110. Business rule service 104 represents the existing servicewhich generates an actual abstract syntax tree. Thus, business ruleservice 104 takes the metadata that the business rule interpreterunderstands and massages it into an abstract syntax tree that can thenbe processed by a code interpreter such as Escodogen, described below.

Business rule service 104 exchanges information with business ruleclient 112 via identifications 114 and AST services 116. Business ruleclient 112 includes AST interpreter 118, which is not based solely onmetadata objects. Business rule client 112 also includes code generator120. Code generator 120, in one illustrative embodiment, may be anEscodegen code generator. Escodegen is a JAVASCRIPT® executable codegenerator from an abstract syntax tree. Escodegen is from a parserapplication programming interface by MOZILLA®. Other code generators arepossible, such as Babylon. In any case, business rule client 112requires a compiler and the execution of executable code generated bythe compiler. This executable code generates new function 122 thatprovides function output 124 to consuming service 126. Consuming service126 represents the service that actually requested that some behavior beperformed and a business rule be executed. Consuming service 126 is notnecessarily restricted to a web page, but could be a button or any othercaller of the business rule.

Business rule client 112 is the entire scope of code running in theuser's browser, but has no environment, which performed the stepsdescribed above. The result is a code string passed a new function,which is generally considered a security fallacy inside of browsersbecause it will parse any code given to it, even malicious JAVASCRIPT®strings, and parsing functional output. The illustrative embodimentsavoid this security problem by avoiding the injection of code.

Business rule system 100 requires a complier operation and thegeneration of and execution of executable code. Thus, business rulesystem 100 operates about ten times slower than the business rulesystems of the illustrative embodiments, at least with respect to thegeneration time and execution time of executable code with existingsystems.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a block diagram of a prior art architecturefor a business rule system depicted in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. Business rule system 200 begins with a metadata definition202 of business rules. Metadata definition 202 is parsed into blocks,such as block 204 and block 206. Block 204 is provided to metadata node208 and block 206 is provided to metadata node 210. Block 204 and block206 may be the same, representing a visual component of the code draggedand dropped by a user to represent the input.

Metadata node 208 is implemented in “FOR loop” 212, which includesiterator definition 214, condition 216, update 220, and block statement222. “FOR loop” 212 represents code for a component. This code breaksdown what is actually parsed by a complier into child blocks. Thecondition is the “FOR loop” condition. The block statement is the codethat lives in the iterator block. Update and pre-condition are theboundaries of the loop.

Metadata node 210 is implemented using an “IF-THEN-ELSE” 224 statement,including condition 226 and block statement 228. Metadata node 210 isintended to represent the metadata at the block level after it has beencomposed and after it passed to the code generator for compilation intoan abstract syntax tree. “IF-THEN-ELSE” 224 statement represents anothercode component. It breaks down what is actually parsed by a compilerinto child blocks. The condition is the “if-then-else” condition. Theblock statement is the code that lives in either the consequent or thealternate block statements of code executed as a result of the“if-then-else” code.

The results of “FOR loop” 212 is provided to abstract syntax tree (AST)230. The abstract syntax tree (AST) is the SpiderMonkey AST yielded forthe parsing of each metadata node into abstract syntax tree (AST) in theprior art. These nodes are rolled up into the definition of the abstractsyntax tree (AST) represented by the entire script or business rule. Theresult of “IF-THEN-ELSE” 224 statement is provided to abstract syntaxtree (AST) 232. In turn, the abstract syntax trees provide abstractsyntax tree (AST) definition 234. This definition is then provided tocode generator 236, which may be an Escodegen code generator. Escodegenis a tool which will generate code strings from an abstract syntax tree(AST). In turn, code generator 236 creates new function 238, which thenmay be executed client-side to execute a desired new business rule. Newfunction 238 is supported in JAVASCRIPT®, and will take a string andconvert it into a callable JAVASCRIPT® function. It is considered asecurity fallacy in most cases.

This process is time consuming, because it requires converting ametadata definition into a format (AST definition 234) which can be readby a compiler (code generator 236) to create new function 238. Theillustrative embodiments eliminate all of these intervening components,as shown in the following figures, thereby dramatically increasing thespeed of execution of the computer. Note that prior to the illustrativeembodiments, there was no known way to eliminate code generator 236 orto use abstract syntax trees (AST) in a novel way to implement theillustrative embodiments. Thus, the illustrative embodiments represent asignificant advance over the prior art shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a block diagram of an architecture of ametadata-based business rule system depicted in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Business rule system 300 is an example of thenovel business rule systems described herein. Business rule system 300is presented as a network-based business system including both servercomputers and client computers. These computers may be, for example,data processing system 900 of FIG. 9. Business rule system 300 mayrepresent a browser loop for the business rule interpreter.

Business rule system 300 includes service orchestration 302. Serviceorchestration is a client-side or node computer which presents a userinterface (UI) that allows a user to combine blocks, each representingan executor function that is a pre-defined atomic unit of code. Serviceorchestration 302 may be where the interpreter fetches metadata. It isnot necessarily a restful request, but may be any methodology used toprovision the metadata used by the business rule interpreter, which isthe primary function of the business rule client. After the user hasselected the desired atomic units of code, either alone or incombination, one or more context object identifications 306 is providedto business rule client 308, which is a server-side computer. Theidentifications are the identifications against which metadata documentscan be resolved.

Business rule client 308 includes metadata block interpreter 310 andbusiness rule output 312. Metadata block interpreter 310 interprets themetadata provided from service orchestration 302 and directly generatesbusiness rule output 312 as a result. Business rule client 308 may bereferred to as the engine inside the application. Business rule client308 may be a wrapper around the interpreter intended to separate thelogic of metadata retrieval and resolution, not complication, butduplicating and caching, from the actual metadata interpretation. Notethat metadata block interpreter 310 may also be referred to as abusiness rule interpreter.

Business rule output 312 is already executable because it is generatedfrom the pre-determined atomic units of code specified by the executorfunctions selected client-side. Business rule output 312 is the outputprovided by the business rule interpreter corresponding to the metadataand input values passed into the business rule interpreter. Thus,business rule output 312 is provided directly to consuming service 314,which executes the business rule or rules output by business rule output312. By avoiding translation of metadata and compilation of executablecode, the speed of both rule generation and rule execution isdramatically increased, as shown in FIG. 6

Consuming service 314 represents the service that actually requestedthat behavior be performed and a business rule be executed. Consumingservice 314 is not necessarily restricted to a webpage, but could be abutton or any other caller of the business rule. Note that the businessrule interpreter of the illustrative embodiments are isomorphic, orenvironment independent.

Business rule system 300 is a specific implementation of theillustrative embodiments. Thus, business rule system 300 does notnecessarily limit the claimed inventions, or other business rule systemsdescribed herein.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a block diagram of another architecture ofa metadata-based business rule system depicted in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Business rule system 400 is an example of thenovel business rule systems described herein. Business rule system 400is presented as a network-based business system including both servercomputers and client computers. These computers may be, for example,data processing system 900 of FIG. 9. FIG. 4 illustrates the systemicdifferences between the prior art business systems in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2,and the illustrative embodiments in which the business rule interpreterneeds no compiler step or executable code.

Business rule system 400 includes metadata DNA client 402 which providesmetadata 408 to business rule client 410. This simple and direct processstands in contrast to the prior art, in which metadata DNA client 402would have had to have provided metadata 404 to business rule service406. Business rule service 406 would have been a server-side servicewhich provides metadata 412 and abstract syntax tree 414.

In the prior illustrative embodiments, abstract syntax tree 416 andidentifications 418 would have had to have been provided by businessrule service 406 to business rule client 410. However, in theillustrative embodiments, all of these operations are bypassed, therebydramatically increasing the speed and efficiency of the computerperforming the desired process.

Business rule client 410 operates client-side and is often implementedin a Web browser in the client. Business rule client 410 includesmetadata block interpreter 418 and business rule output 420. Metadatablock interpreter 418 may also be termed as an “abstract syntax treeinterpreter”.

As with business rule system 300 of FIG. 3, one or more executorfunctions consisting of only atomic units of code defined by metadataare designated by business rule service 406 and provided to businessrule client 410. Because the resulting combinations of the executorfunctions already have executable code, metadata block interpreter 418is able to combine the blocks of metadata into an executable code readyfor execution by consuming service 422. Thus, translation of metadataand the compilation of executable code is avoided, thereby dramaticallyincreasing the speed of execution of a computer.

Business rule system 400 is a specific implementation of theillustrative embodiments. Thus, business rule 400 does not necessarilylimit the claimed inventions, or other business rule systems describedherein.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a block diagram of another architecture ofa metadata-based business rule system depicted in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Business rule system 500 is an example of thenovel business rule systems described herein. Business rule system 500is presented as a network-based business system including both servercomputers and client computers. These computers may be, for example,data processing system 900 of FIG. 9. FIG. 5 shows similar “for-loop”and “if-then-else” processes as shown in FIG. 2, but with the reuse ofatomic executors or components instead of the prior art systems.

Metadata 502 is the metadata input to the business rule interpreter.Block 504 represents one node in the metadata corresponding to abusiness rule interpreter executor.

Block 504 is provided to “for loop” 506. This operation refers to thedelegation of the interpreter scope to the “for-loop” executor. Thisoperation implies calling the atomic code component represented by the“for-loop” executor. The actual metadata object representing the“for-loop” block is passed into the corresponding “for-loop” executor.This metadata acts as a configuration object to the code being executed.The business rule execution context (or scope being executed against) isalso provided to the executor.

Block 504 may also be provided, or alternatively provided, to“if-then-else loop” 508. This block represents the delegation of theinterpreter scope to the “if-then-else” executor. This operation impliescalling the atomic code component represented by the “if-then-else”executor. The actual metadata object representing the “for-loop” blockis passed into the corresponding “for-loop” executor. This metadata actsas a configuration object to the code being executed. The business ruleexecution context (or scope being executed against) is also provided tothe executor.

Block 510 represents an operation for demonstration of how “for-loop”506 composes a “create-variable” executor and the instructions that theexecutor executes without actually compiling or writing any code.Likewise, block 512 represents an operation for demonstration of how“for loop” 506 composes a binary-expression helper and the instructionsthat the helper executes without actually compiling or writing any code.In this case, the “binary-expression” is a helper because it does notdemand scope from its parent to execute.

Block 512 is an operation for demonstration of how “for loop” 506 and“if-then-else” loop 508 compose a “binary-expression” helper and theinstructions that the helper executes without actually compiling orwriting any code. In this case, the “binary-expression” is a helperbecause it does not demand scope from its parent toe execute. Manydifferent blocks can delegate scope to the same helper. Block 114 isanother operation for demonstration of how “for loop” 506 and“if-then-else” loop 508 can compose a “binary expression” helper, andperforms a similar function.

Block statement 516 represents a type of executor which simplyrepresents an enclosing block. They can be a whole function, a loopblock, or a consequent/alternate. In this case, the “for loop” 506 andthe “if-then-else loop” 508 delegate back to the same executor thatoriginally called them because they are composing sub-blocks forexecution.

Business rule system 500 is a specific implementation of theillustrative embodiments. Thus, business rule 500 does not necessarilylimit the claimed inventions, or other business rule systems describedherein.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a graph comparing the speed of execution ofa prior art compiler-based business rule system, such as those shown inFIG. 1 and FIG. 2, to a metadata-based business rule system, such asthose shown in FIG. 3 through FIG. 5, based on testing in a realbusiness environment, depicted in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

Graph 600 is a bar graph that compares the execution time in hertz (hz)for the enumerated function types relative to an ordinary business ruleengine (shown by drawing hash type 1) and the business rule interpreterof the illustrative embodiments (shown by drawing hash type 2). Thus,for each function type, two bars are shown. One bar showing executionspeed of the corresponding function type for an ordinary business ruleengine, and the other bar showing for execution speed of thecorresponding function type for the business rule interpreter of theillustrative embodiments. As can be seen, the efficiency of the businessrule interpreter of the illustrative embodiments vastly outstrips theefficiency of the ordinary business rule interpreter. The amount ofspeed increase is generally about ten times, but in some cases can betwenty times the speed, or more. This increase in speed can beattributed to the illustrative embodiments avoiding compilation time andavoiding the need to translate metadata and generate executable codefrom the translated metadata. Accordingly, the illustrative embodimentsdramatically increase the speed of execution of a business rule system,with accompanying savings in time, money, equipment, and maintenance, aswell as improving customer satisfaction and experience when interactingwith the business system of the illustrative embodiments.

For reference, nine different function types are shown. These includeadd notification 602, calculation 604, data manipulation 606, FOR loop608, GET length 610, IF-THEN-ELSE 612, regular expression 614, setvariable 616, and sort 618. Many other commands and functions arepossible with the illustrative embodiments, including combinations ofthe above functions, and including combinations of functions not shownin FIG. 6. However, by avoiding the generation of executable code in acompiler, the illustrative embodiments will dramatically increase thespeed of execution of a computer, relative to the same computerimplementing any existing business rule system which requires thecompilation of and subsequent execution of executable code.

Alternatively stated, on the left axis are the block types (executors).The bottom axis shows hertz or operations per second, which is ameasurement of execution speed commonly used to measure JAVASCRIPT®performance. In this figure, more operations per second are better.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a method of increasing a speed of operationof a computer via a metadata-based business rule interpreter, inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Method 700 may beimplemented by one or more computers, such as data processing system 900of FIG. 9. Method 700 may be implemented in a business rule system, suchas business rule system 300 of FIG. 3, business rule system 400 of FIG.4, and business rule system 500 of FIG. 5.

Method 700 may be characterized as a method of increasing a speed ofoperation of a computer via a metadata-based business rule interpreter.Method 700 may include receiving, at a processor, user input defining abusiness rule (operation 702). Method 700 may also include translating,by the processor, the user input into a domain-specific languageentirely consisting of metadata objects, wherein a translated syntax isformed, the translated syntax being an abstract syntax tree structureconsisting of only the metadata objects (operation 704). Method 700 mayalso include executing, by the processor, an abstract syntax treeinterpreter and taking as input into the abstract syntax treeinterpreter the translated syntax, wherein a compiler operation togenerate computer code for implementing the business rule is avoided,and wherein executing the abstract syntax tree interpreter produces aresult in a browser without using executable code to achieve the result(operation 706). In one illustrative embodiment, the method mayterminate thereafter.

Method 700 may be varied. For example, for method 700, receiving theuser input may include receiving one or more pre-determined metadataobjects. In this case, the user input may further include block typesand properties of the block types.

In another illustrative embodiment, for method 700, the abstract syntaxtree interpreter resides in the browser. In still another illustrativeembodiment, the user input is further defined by a plurality ofcomposable executor functions, each of which defines a single, atomiccode construct. In this case, the composable executor functions mayoperate inside of a context defined at a beginning of a business ruleexecution step which is a target object for all symbols defined in acourse of a business rule execution, as well as for all input to andoutput from the business rule. Furthermore, different permutations ofcompositions of the composable executor functions enables execution ofdifferent business rule behaviors at runtime.

Other variations are also possible. For example, the processor mayexecute the method at least ten times faster than execution of abusiness rule interpreter which uses a compiler to generate executablecode from the user input for producing the result in the browser. Stillfurther, more or fewer operations may be present relative to those shownin FIG. 7. Thus, the illustrative embodiments are not necessarilylimited to the specific example shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a computer programmed with program code forimplementing a method of increasing a speed of operation of a computervia a metadata-based business rule interpreter, in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. Business rule system 800 may be implemented byone or more computers, such as data processing system 900 of FIG. 9.Business rule system 800 may be an alternative to the business rulesystems described above, such as business rule system 300 of FIG. 3,business rule system 400 of FIG. 4, and business rule system 500 of FIG.5.

Business rule system 800 may include processor 802 and non-transitorycomputer recordable storage medium 804 connected to processor 802.Non-transitory computer-recordable storage medium 804 may store programcode which, when executed by processor 802, performs acomputer-implemented method of increasing a speed of operation of acomputer via a metadata-based business rule interpreter.

Program code 806 may include program code for receiving, at a processor,user input defining a business rule. Program code 806 may also includeprogram code for translating, by the processor, the user input into adomain-specific language entirely consisting of metadata objects,wherein a translated syntax is formed, the translated syntax being anabstract syntax tree structure consisting of only the metadata objects.Program code 806 may also include program code for executing, by theprocessor, an abstract syntax tree interpreter and taking as input intothe abstract syntax tree interpreter the translated syntax, wherein acompiler operation to generate computer code for implementing thebusiness rule is avoided, and wherein executing the abstract syntax treeinterpreter produces a result in a browser without using executable codeto achieve the result.

Business rule system 800 may be varied. For example, the program codefor receiving the user input comprises program code for receiving one ormore pre-determined metadata objects. In another example, the user inputfurther comprises block types and properties of the block types.

In still another example, the user input is further defined by aplurality of composable executor functions, each of which defines asingle, atomic code construct. In this case, program code 806 is furtherdefined such that the composable executor functions operate inside of acontext defined at a beginning of a business rule execution step whichis a target object for all symbols defined in a course of a businessrule execution, as well as for all input to and output from the businessrule. Further yet, different permutations of compositions of thecomposable executor functions enables execution of different businessrule behaviors at runtime.

Business rule system 800 may be still further varied. More or differentcomponents may be present, including but not limited to a bus, a userinterface, a display system, networking hardware, and other components.Business rule system 800 may also be implemented as only anon-transitory computer-recordable storage medium storing program code,as described above. Thus, the illustrative embodiments are notnecessarily limited by the specific examples described with respect toFIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a data processing system depicted inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. Data processing system 900is an example of a computer that may be used to implement any of theillustrative embodiments described with respect to FIG. 1 through FIG.8.

In this illustrative example, data processing system 900 includescommunications framework 902, which provides communications betweenprocessor unit 904, memory 906, persistent storage 908, communicationsunit 910, input/output unit 912, and display 914. In this example,communication frameworks 902 may take the form of a bus system.

Processor unit 904 serves to execute instructions for software that maybe loaded into memory 906. Processor unit 904 may be a number ofprocessors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor,depending on the particular implementation.

Memory 906 and persistent storage 908 are examples of storage devices916. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable ofstoring information, such as, for example, without limitation, at leastone of data, program code in functional form, or other suitableinformation either on a temporary basis, a permanent basis, or both on atemporary basis and a permanent basis. The program code may be thesoftware on a non-transitory computer-recordable storage medium usableto implement any of the illustrative embodiments described above.Storage devices 916 may also be referred to as computer-readable storagedevices in these illustrative examples. Memory 906, in these examples,may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitablevolatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage 908 may takevarious forms, depending on the particular implementation.

For example, persistent storage 908 may contain one or more componentsor devices. For example, persistent storage 908 may be a hard drive, aflash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, orsome combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage 908also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be usedfor persistent storage 908.

Communications unit 910, in these illustrative examples, provides forcommunications with other data processing systems or devices. In theseillustrative examples, communications unit 910 is a network interfacecard.

Input/output unit 912 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to data processing system 900. Forexample, input/output unit 912 may provide a connection for user inputthrough at least of a keyboard, a mouse, or some other suitable inputdevice. Further, input/output unit 912 may send output to a printer.Display 914 provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

Instructions for at least one of the operating system, applications, orprograms may be located in storage devices 916, which are incommunication with processor unit 904 through communications framework902. The processes of the different embodiments may be performed byprocessor unit 904 using computer-implemented instructions, which may belocated in a memory, such as memory 906.

These instructions are referred to as program code, computer-usableprogram code, or computer-readable program code that may be read andexecuted by a processor in processor unit 904. The program code in thedifferent embodiments may be embodied on different physical orcomputer-readable storage media, such as memory 906 or persistentstorage 908.

Program code 918 is located in a functional form on computer-readablemedia 920 that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto ortransferred to data processing system 900 for execution by processorunit 904. Program code 918 and computer-readable media 920 form computerprogram product 922 in these illustrative examples. In one example,computer-readable media 920 may be computer-readable storage media 924or computer-readable signal media 926.

In these illustrative examples, computer-readable storage media 924 is aphysical or tangible storage device used to store program code 918rather than a medium that propagates or transmits program code 918.

Alternatively, program code 918 may be transferred to data processingsystem 900 using computer-readable signal media 926. Computer-readablesignal media 926 may be, for example, a propagated data signalcontaining program code 918. For example, computer-readable signal media926 may be at least one of an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal,or any other suitable type of signal. These signals may be transmittedover at least one of communications links, such as wirelesscommunications links, optical fiber cable, coaxial cable, a wire, or anyother suitable type of communications link.

The different components illustrated for data processing system 900 arenot meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in whichdifferent embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrativeembodiments may be implemented in a data processing system includingcomponents, in addition to or in place of those illustrated, for dataprocessing system 900. Other components shown in FIG. 9 can be variedfrom the illustrative examples shown. The different embodiments may beimplemented using any hardware device or system capable of runningprogram code 918.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodimentsillustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of somepossible implementations of apparatuses and methods in an illustrativeembodiment. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or blockdiagrams may represent at least one of a module, a segment, a function,or a portion of an operation or step. For example, one or more of theblocks may be implemented as program code, in hardware, or a combinationof the program code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, thehardware may, for example, take the form of integrated circuits that aremanufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in theflowcharts or block diagrams. When implemented as a combination ofprogram code and hardware, the implementation may take the form offirmware.

In some alternative implementations of an illustrative embodiment, thefunction or functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the ordernoted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown insuccession may be performed substantially concurrently, or the blocksmay sometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. Also, other blocks may be added in addition tothe illustrated blocks in a flowchart or block diagram.

As used herein, the term “server” or “server computer” is any computerwhich operates in the role of a server, whether or not the computer isconfigured specifically to operate as a “server.” As used herein, theterm “client” or “client computer” is any computer which operates in theroll of a client, whether or not the computer is configured specificallyto operate as a “client” or a “workstation.”

Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art. Further, different illustrative embodiments mayprovide different features, as compared to other desirable embodiments.The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in orderto best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practicalapplication, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art tounderstand the disclosure for various embodiments with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of increasing a speed of operation of acomputer via a metadata-based business rule interpreter, the methodcomprising: receiving, at a processor, user input defining a businessrule; translating, by the processor, the user input into adomain-specific language entirely consisting of metadata objects,wherein a translated syntax is formed, the translated syntax being anabstract syntax tree structure consisting of only the metadata objects;and executing, by the processor, an abstract syntax tree interpreter andtaking as input into the abstract syntax tree interpreter the translatedsyntax, wherein a compiler operation to generate computer code forimplementing the business rule is avoided, and wherein executing theabstract syntax tree interpreter produces a result in a browser withoutusing executable code to achieve the result.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein receiving the user input comprises receiving one or morepre-determined metadata objects.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein theuser input further comprises block types and properties of the blocktypes.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the abstract syntax treeinterpreter resides in the browser.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe user input is further defined by a plurality of composable executorfunctions, each of which defines a single, atomic code construct.
 6. Themethod of claim 5, wherein the composable executor functions operateinside of a context defined at a beginning of a business rule executionstep which is a target object for all symbols defined in a course of abusiness rule execution, as well as for all input to and output from thebusiness rule.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein different permutationsof compositions of the composable executor functions enables executionof different business rule behaviors at runtime.
 8. The method of claim1, wherein the processor executes the method at least ten times fasterthan execution of a business rule interpreter which uses a compiler togenerate executable code from the user input for producing the result inthe browser.
 9. A computer comprising: a processor; a non-transitorycomputer recordable storage medium connected to the processor andstoring program code which, when executed by the processor, performs acomputer-implemented method of increasing a speed of operation of acomputer via a metadata-based business rule interpreter, the programcode comprising: program code for receiving, at a processor, user inputdefining a business rule; program code for translating, by theprocessor, the user input into a domain-specific language entirelyconsisting of metadata objects, wherein a translated syntax is formed,the translated syntax being an abstract syntax tree structure consistingof only the metadata objects; and program code for executing, by theprocessor, an abstract syntax tree interpreter and taking as input intothe abstract syntax tree interpreter the translated syntax, wherein acompiler operation to generate computer code for implementing thebusiness rule is avoided, and wherein executing the abstract syntax treeinterpreter produces a result in a browser without using executable codeto achieve the result.
 10. The computer of claim 9, wherein the programcode for receiving the user input comprises program code for receivingone or more pre-determined metadata objects.
 11. The computer of claim10, wherein the user input further comprises block types and propertiesof the block types.
 12. The computer of claim 9, wherein the user inputis further defined by a plurality of composable executor functions, eachof which defines a single, atomic code construct.
 13. The computer ofclaim 12 wherein the program code is further defined such that thecomposable executor functions operate inside of a context defined at abeginning of a business rule execution step which is a target object forall symbols defined in a course of a business rule execution, as well asfor all input to and output from the business rule.
 14. The computer ofclaim 13, wherein different permutations of compositions of thecomposable executor functions enables execution of different businessrule behaviors at runtime.
 15. A non-transitory computer recordablestorage medium storing program code which, when executed by a processor,performs a computer-implemented method of increasing a speed ofoperation of a computer via a metadata-based business rule interpreter,the program code comprising: program code for receiving, at a processor,user input defining a business rule; program code for translating, bythe processor, the user input into a domain-specific language entirelyconsisting of metadata objects, wherein a translated syntax is formed,the translated syntax being an abstract syntax tree structure consistingof only the metadata objects; and program code for executing, by theprocessor, an abstract syntax tree interpreter and taking as input intothe abstract syntax tree interpreter the translated syntax, wherein acompiler operation to generate computer code for implementing thebusiness rule is avoided, and wherein executing the abstract syntax treeinterpreter produces a result in a browser without using executable codeto achieve the result.
 16. The non-transitory computer recordablestorage medium of claim 15, wherein the program code for receiving theuser input comprises program code for receiving one or morepre-determined metadata objects.
 17. The non-transitory computerrecordable storage medium of claim 16, wherein the user input furthercomprises block types and properties of the block types.
 18. Thenon-transitory computer recordable storage medium of claim 17, whereinthe user input is further defined by a plurality of composable executorfunctions, each of which defines a single, atomic code construct. 19.The non-transitory computer recordable storage medium of claim 18,wherein the program code is further defined such that the composableexecutor functions operate inside of a context defined at a beginning ofa business rule execution step which is a target object for all symbolsdefined in a course of a business rule execution, as well as for allinput to and output from the business rule.
 20. The non-transitorycomputer recordable storage medium of claim 19, wherein differentpermutations of compositions of the composable executor functionsenables execution of different business rule behaviors at runtime.